Making village halls accessible

We have submitted guidance to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority and its Community Partnership group with regards to access to village halls and other community facilties.

There is a move towards encouraging volunteer committees to oversee local facilities. If this happens, it is essential that access is made a priority, in order that everyone can use and benefit from these facilities. Our communities are enormously diverse and consideration must be given to the access requirements of all parts of community.

Here are our pointers for Village Hall Committees:

Things to check and manage OUTSIDE the facility

Disabled Parking – Number and Layout / Signage
Flat and Level Access / Ramps / Guardrails
Paths / Puddling / Leaf litter / Dog Fouling
Lighting / Glare
Door Entrance Features / Handles / Door Closers / Intercom / Thresholds / Automated Doors / Ramps

Things to check and manage INSIDE the facility

Reception / Lowered Desktop / Knee Space / Contrast
Hearing Loops at Reception and Public Rooms / Background Noise / Sound Deadening
Circulation Space – No Clutter
Seating with Armrests
Accessible WC to BS8300
Baby Changing Facilities
Wayfinding
Fire Alarms – Audible and Visible
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Décor
Floor Surfaces
Future Provision – Changing Places WC